There is something so beautiful and inviting about the early morning; that quiet time with God—before the bird’s chirp, before the dog wakes and before the husband stumbles into the kitchen for his cup of tea. This is usually the time when I feel closest to God and when the mind, body, and spirit are fully aligned. This is also the perfect opportunity to pray and sit in His presence as He provides instruction for the day ahead. In this season, as we try to combat every negative emotion or energy that is constantly being thrown our way, devoted prayer time is necessary for spiritual fortitude and resolve.
Quench the Quietness
When I searched the definition for “quench” in Merriam Webster’s dictionary, the words “to satisfy”, fit like a glove when describing prayer. One’s prayer life, which is the opportunity to have fellowship and strengthen our relationship with God, is best accomplished in quiet. As the text states, Jesus is instructing His disciples, including us, to have quiet time with God in prayer and what a great way to take advantage of any extra time we have during this period of social distancing. Prayer is our gateway to His guidance. It provides clarity and direction and God sees us when we pray. What a beautiful thought, right?
Ensuring there is a space to carve out for you and God is also important. I am reminded of the movie War Room and the actions that both lead actresses took in order to draw closer to God during a time of great anguish and uncertainty, like now. When we pray in private, we are seeking Him and when we seek Him, we will find Him, and when we find Him “all things will be added unto us” (Matthew 6:33). Our time of isolation can be used to extend an invitation to Him so that He can quench our heart’s desire as we incline ourselves toward Him.
Using This Time Wisely
During this uncertain period of history that we are all required to experience together but apart, use your quiet time with God to deepen your prayer life. Chisel out an area in your home, that is made for just you and God. As you shut your door or closet and sit in His presence, that quiet time with God becomes a spiritual stillness where you can hear Him say, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” Matthew 6:5-7 (NRSV)
